Gal Gadot, Ashton Kutcher, Oprah Winfrey and other celebs mourn Bondi Beach attack

International celebrities and public figures have reacted with shock and heartbreak to the deadly mass shooting that struck Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14, 2025. The tragic attack claimed multiple lives and left dozens injured, prompting an outpouring of grief and solidarity from around the world.

Hollywood stars were among the first to take to social media to condemn the violence and offer support to victims and their families. Actress Gal Gadot wrote, “This darkness deliberately struck at a sacred moment of community and hope. It is easy to feel defeated. But let us be clear: our strength is not in despair, but in the light we fiercely choose to create in this terrible void.”

Actor Ashton Kutcher also spoke out, highlighting a broader concern over hatred and prejudice in society. On X (formerly Twitter), he emphasised the real‑world cost of antisemitism, writing, “Antisemitic rhetoric is not abstract — it carries a cost, and my brothers and sisters continue to pay it.”

Australian and Hollywood favourite Rebel Wilson described the unfolding news as “absolutely devastating.” Just waking up to the news about what’s happened on Bondi Beach. An absolute tragedy that is the most un-Australian thing to have happen. We shouldn’t have gun violence in Australia, we shouldn’t have antisemitism – it’s not us! Thinking of everyone affected by this devastating violence.”

Oprah Winfrey revealed that she was at the same beach just a few days back. “I just spent the last 2 weeks in Australia, walking Bondi just days ago feeling the openness and ease that lives there,” she wrote to Threads. “It’s hard to reconcile that sense of peace with the terror of last night. My heart breaks for the victims, their families and loved ones, and all you Aussies.”

Sacha Baron Cohen posted a picture of a woman carrying a child away from the scene on his  Instagram, captioning the image: “Hanukkah, 2025, Bondi Beach. It could be your family, your child. No one should die because of their faith. May their memory be a blessing—and a light toward tolerance and peace. #StopTheHate.”

“Our light will not be dimmed. Tonight we light for Bondi,” she wrote, referencing the ceremonial pastime of lighting candles on Chanukah, which repeats on each of the festival’s eight nights, Cohen’s ex wife, actress Isha Fischer wrote.

Singer Troye Sivan wrote, “The Australian Jewish community — my community — suffered a terrorist attack tonight, on the first night of Chanukah, on Bondi Beach. My heart is broken. Thinking tonight of the victims and their families, the Bondi and wider Sydney communities, and for every Jewish person in this country. This is not who we are as Australians. Sending so much love to all.”

Fellow musician Billie Eilish also voiced her heartbreak, joining a chorus of voices calling for peace and interfaith harmony.

Mandy Moore wrote on her Instagram Stories, “On the first night of Hanukkah and in a country with very strict gun control laws. Absolutely devastating. My heart is with all my Jewish friends around the world."

Beyond Hollywood, other celebrities and public figures shared their condolences and support. Dubai Bling reality star Kris Fade wrote that his “heart goes out to all those affected” and urged prayers for the victims, highlighting the global reach of the tragedy.

The outpouring of reactions reflects both the widespread recognition of Bondi Beach as an iconic cultural landmark and the profound sense of collective loss felt around the world. Once synonymous with sun‑soaked surf and carefree summer days, Bondi now stands at the centre of a sobering reminder of how quickly joy can be shattered by violence.

The suspects have been identified as Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old who was killed at the scene, and   Naveed Akram , his 24-year-old son, who is in a critical but stable condition. The attack, declared a terrorist incident, targeted the   Jewish Australian community , killing at least 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl.